Also, American women abroad should always have, on their person, the contact info for the nearest U.S. Embassy. The Embassy is a little outpost of U.S. soil and while beaureaucrats in the States tend to be ...uhm... less than enthusiastic about being helpful as often as not, those who have Embassy posts tend to be knowlegable and to truly want to be of service. They can smooth the way in dealing with local law enforcement, can often provide translators when needed and involving the Embassy ensures that you cannot just vanish.